Leslie Rivers didn’t set out to start her own modern African decor and art brand. But when the founder and curator searched for high-quality pieces available locally and came up short, she decided to take on the challenge herself. Enter: Collective Septembera curated homewares brand that celebrates African ancestry in modern life. Based in Toronto, Rivers sources handcrafted items from across Africa and the African diaspora—from intricate, handcrafted placemats from Ghana to carved wooden furniture.
The Nywele Vase in Umber by Kitengela Glass for September Collective. Photo courtesy of September Collective.
September Collective’s newest launch takes the brand to the next level. Designed by Rivers and brought to life by Kitengela Glass artisans in Kenya, the Hair jar it is the brand’s first product designed in-house. These sculptural glass vases—available in moss citrine, umber, dark umber, moss and onyx—reflect Rivers’ belief that every object should tell a story.
The Nywele Vase in Umber by Kitengela Glass for September Collective. Photo courtesy of September Collective.
Nywele is the Swahili word for ‘hair’ and the collection draws inspiration from the Bantu knot – a hairstyle originating from the Zulu people of South Africa and seen throughout the African diaspora today. Mimicking these coiled forms, the vase’s design brings the Bandhu knot to life with a contemporary feel, resulting in “something that could sit in a contemporary home and still have a cultural reference,” says Rivers.
The Nywele Vase in Moss by Kitengela Glass for September Collective. Photo courtesy of September Collective.
However, the design process for Nywele was not always straightforward. After Rivers beat Kitengela Glass from Nairobi to bring her glassware designs for life, the original prototypes were too literal in their interpretation of the Bandhu knot and needed more rhythm, restraint and shaping. After rounds of refinement, Rivers and Kitengela’s glassmakers arrived at beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind vases hand-blown from recycled glass.
The Nywele Vase in Moss by Kitengela Glass for September Collective. Photo courtesy of September Collective.
“That’s what I’ve always built: Not just a product, but a piece with a name, a maker, a meaning, and a place in the home that nothing else can fill,” Rivers explains. “September Collective will never take credit for what an artisan’s hands have made. Our role has always been to honor the craft, share the story, and connect the maker with the people who will take their work home. Nywele is that promise, made a thing.”
The Nywele Vase in Onyx by Kitengela Glass for September Collective. Photo courtesy of September Collective.
